Bears acquire Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall

March 13, 2012|By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter

Almost three years ago, the Chicago Bears traded for Jay Cutler after years of unsuccessfully trying to develop their own quarterback. Now, they’ve traded for the wide receiver he worked so well with in Denver.

The Bears have packaged two third-round draft picks to the Miami Dolphins to acquire Brandon Marshall, hooking Cutler up with the big target he’s sought since he arrived here. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports first reported the news. Marshall, 27, comes from the Miami Dolphins where he caught 81 passes for 1,214 yards and six touchdowns last season.

The 6-4 Marshall instantly gives the Bears’ offense, now under first-year coordinator Mike Tice, a big-time playmaker. The Bears had an extra third-round pick in this year’s draft from the Panthers for the Greg Olsen trade. It’s not known what specific picks were sent to the Dolphins.

"I think he's going to be great for Jay and our offense," linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "It's cool that he and Jay played together in Denver so there is some familiarity."

Sources said the Bears were working hard to sign Vincent Jackson in free agency but his price tag could have gone beyond what they wanted to spend.